2013 MLB Preview: Fantasy Baseball AL-Only Outfielder Rankings

Here are the 2013 LestersLegends outfielder rankings for AL-only leagues.

1. Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels

Trout was the MVP in a lot of people’s eyes even despite Miguel Cabrera’s Triple Crown. His .326-129-30-83-49 season was historic, especially when you consider he wasn’t called up until the end of April. The sky is the limit for Trout.

2. Josh Hamilton, Los Angeles Angels

Hamilton has a new home, but his offense should be just as potent. If he can stay healthy, he’ll be a four-category stud.

3. Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays

Bautista was limited to 92 games last year, but he still managed 27 home runs. He brings big-time power to the table.

4. Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston Red Sox

Ellsbury was limited to 74 games last year, and his numbers really suffered. He’s a bit of a risk, but in 2011, his numbers resembled Trout’s last year.

5. Adam Jones, Baltimore Orioles

Jones took another step forward in the power department, smacking 32 round-trippers. He finished with a .287-103-32-82-16 line.

6. Yoenis Cespedes, Oakland A’s

Cespedes was able to handle the transition to MLB pitching with a .292-70-23-82-16 line in 129 games. He should be even better in his second year in America.

7. Ben Zobrist, Tampa Bay Rays

I love Zobrist for his versatility. I’d likely use him at second base or shortstop before plugging him into my outfield. That said, he has averaged 88.8 runs, 19.3 HR, 82.8 RBI and 18.5 stolen bases over the past four years.

8. Desmond Jennings, Tampa Bay Rays

Jennings came into 2012 with a lot of hype, but other than runs (85) and stolen bases (31), he was pretty nondescript. He has the tools to add to both power and speed categories.

9. Alex Rios , Chicago White Sox

Rios bounced back from a hideous 2011 campaign with a .304-93-25-91-23 line. He seems to fluctuate more than other high-end outfielders, so he’s a bit of a risk. But when he’s on, he’s a five-category contributor.

10. Austin Jackson, Detroit Tigers

Jackson bounced back with a .300 average after hitting .249 in 2011. He has scored at least 90 runs in each of his three seasons, twice reaching 103 runs. His home run total has increased every year, and he’s better than the 12 stolen bases last year indicate. He has a decent shot of producing a 20-20 season. He could easily be a top-five AL-only outfielder.

11. Michael Bourn, Cleveland Indians

Bourn is a guy to target if you’re going after the stolen base category. He’s a career .272 hitter, so he’s not an asset (or liability) in that category. He should be a solid runs contributor, but don’t expect help in the power categories.

12. Alex Gordon, Kansas City Royals

Gordon took a step back last year, but there was still plenty to be pleased with his .294-93-14-72-10 line. He’s a solid contributor in all five 5×5 categories.

13. Mark Trumbo, Los Angeles Angels

Trumbo has 61 home runs over the past two seasons. He doesn’t score many runs or hit for average, but he should provide plenty of power, especially in that offense.

14. Curtis Granderson, New York Yankees

Granderson’s broken arm drops him out of the top 10, but he’s still a solid second outfielder. He has 84 home runs over the past two seasons, and while he won't reach the 40-HR mark a third straight season, he should flirt with 30.

15. Melky Cabrera, Toronto Blue Jays

Cabrera is a bit of a wild card coming off his suspension, but he landed in a good place.

16. Shane Victorino, Boston Red Sox

Victorino’s move to Boston should be a good one. He figures to score a lot of runs and steal a bunch of bases. He should be decent in the home run and batting average categories.

17. Josh Willingham, Minnesota Twins

Willingham has plenty of power. He smacked 35 home runs with 110 RBI last year. While I don’t expect him to repeat that production, he should hit close to 30 bombs with 100 RBI.

18. Nelson Cruz, Texas Rangers

Cruz was finally able to stay healthy, but his numbers declined as he posted a .260-86-24-90-8 line. He should bounce back, but he’s an injury risk.

19. Ichiro Suzuki, New York Yankees

Ichiro got a jolt from being shipped to the Yankees. He should continue to provide a solid batting average, run total and stolen base total.

20. Nick Markakis, Baltimore Orioles

Markakis has not reached 80 runs, 16 home runs or 75 RBI since 2009. He hits for average (.295 career hitter) but does not stand out anywhere else.

21. Michael Morse, Seattle Mariners

Morse’s return to Seattle doesn’t bode well for his fantasy numbers, despite the improved dimensions of Safeco Field. He has power potential, but he has only reached 500 at-bats one time in his career.

22. Colby Rasmus, Toronto Blue Jays

Rasmus has power, but he is a batting average liability, which minimizes his run and RBI appeal.

23. Alejandro De Aza, Chicago White Sox

De Aza’s main contribution will come in the stolen bases category. He should provide a decent batting average and run total as well.

24. Nick Swisher, Cleveland Indians

Swisher has quietly averaged 25.9 home runs over the past eight seasons.